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#AskPracMed – How do I treat a crush injury?

Crush injuries are complex and the management depends heavily on how long the object has been in place and what part of the body is affected. If the crush has been in place for less than 40 minutes and involves a limb, removal of the object may be considered, but be prepared to manage extremity haemorrhage immediately as the object is lifted. Crush injuries to the pelvis, abdomen, or chest are a different matter entirely. Removing the object can turn a compressible situation into a non-compressible bleed, and this needs emergency medical support on site before any attempt at removal. Always call 111 for crush injuries and communicate clearly so they can prioritise the response appropriately.

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Simon Carkeek

Simon is a former NZDF Recon Operator and Patrol Commander with over a decade of service, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Solomon Islands peacekeeping, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami. Domestically, he responded to the Christchurch earthquakes and the Scotts Ferry floods. After service, Simon spent nearly five years in private contracting across Asia Pacific and the Middle East — working as a PSD Team Medic, Site Security Manager, and setting up medical clinics in austere environments where the nearest hospital was a long way away. He's a former action guy and a self-described meatball medic. He founded PracMed NZ because most first aid training wasn't preparing people for real emergencies. It still isn't, everywhere else.